James Lynch writes for National Review Online about the Virginia governor’s message to fellow Republicans.
Virginia governor Glenn Youngkin gave a rousing speech at the Republican convention on Monday comparing his rapid political rise to former president Donald Trump as wealthy businessmen and political outsiders.
Youngkin spoke on the first night of the Republican convention from Milwaukee, and portrayed the prospect of a second Trump term as a reason for hope and inspiration, in contrast to economic hardships under President Joe Biden.
“Tonight, America the land of opportunity just doesn’t feel like that anymore,” Youngkin said of the Biden administration’s economy.
Youngkin kept Trump at arms length during his successful run for governor in 2022, elevating the parental-rights issue and overzealous Covid lockdown policies without embracing rhetorical extremes. But on Monday night he enthusiastically embraced the former president.
“Eight years ago there was an outsider. A businessman who stepped out of his career to rebuild a great nation with the strongest economy, the mightiest military, energy independence, unlimited opportunity lifting up every American. That outsider businessman was Donald J. Trump, and he will do it again!” Youngkin declared, in a much louder and more assertive tone of voice than is typical for the reserved governor.
Youngkin recalled the moment when he told his wife of his plans to leave the business world to run for governor, and compared his upset victory to Trump’s.
“I believe this year Virginia will elect another Republican outside businessman as president of the United States. President Trump proved that common sense conservative leadership works. It works for America, and we’re proving it in Virginia too,” Youngkin said.
Polls have shown Trump within striking distance in Virginia, a contrast from four years ago when Biden won the state easily, according to the RealClearPolitics state polling average. Youngkin’s approval rating, 53 percent, is 20 points higher than Biden’s among Virginians, a Roanoke College poll taken in February measured.
